The Moldova lei is an official currency of Moldova with currency code MDL and symbol L. it is subdivided into 100 bani. The name of the currency “lei” is initiated from the Roman word, which means lion. Moldova was part of Romania from 1918 to 1944, during these years, Romanian leu was used a currency. On 29th November 1993, after the downfall of Soviet Union, Moldova was established as the independent Republic of Moldova.
In November 1993, the first series of small aluminium coins were introduced by the National Bank of Moldova in denominations of 1, 5, 25, 50 bani and 1, 5 lei. In 1994, the coins of 1 and 5 lei was ceased. In 1996, coin of 10 bani was added. The second series of comparatively larger coins were introduced in 2018. Most Moldovan coins are minted in Romania.
Moldova Lei banknotes are comprised of two series, first was introduced in 1994 in denominations of 1, 5 and 10 lei. The second series of Moldova Lei banknotes were issued in 1992 in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 100 lei.
Recently banknotes and coins in circulation include:
Banknotes 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 lei
Coins 5, 10, 25, 50 bani, 1 leu, 2 lei, 5 lei, 10 lei